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4monthteacher · Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Posts: 10

I'm wondering what kinds of questions students ask about US history and culture. I'm thinking I may need to brush up on my history. Thanks.

kigolo1881 · Joined: 17 Feb 2007 Posts: 21

What questions?

Oh my, if you cant figure out what to tell students about your own country and language, how will you teach them anything at all?

Just imagine, what would YOU ask your students about VN?

lost_gypsy · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 274

Do you know the meaning of k.i.s.s.? If so then do exactly that...if the Viet students are anything like Chinese students, they have no grasp of anything regarding the US or the UK for that matter.

They generally know the names of one or even two or three big cities, but they can't show you on a US map where they might be.

Also, don't bother about teaching anything about US history. Ask them/tell them how many states there are. Ask them who the first US president was. Ask them if they heard of the civil war/South vs North, then ask if they know WHAT the war was about.

Ask them or tell them what the capital of the US is. You will be lucky to get a single correct answer from any of them, but it will be a fun exercise.

Good luck!

just noel · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 168

lost_gypsy · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 274

Haha! Well, it simple...even includes that last word, "simple", got it yet?

K.I.S.S. = "Keep It Simple Stupid" Laughing

It's a little phrase that popped up sometime in the mid eighties in middle management classes and so forth.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 216

I agree with other poster about students not knowing much about anything outside their little world and don't really care.

But they do ask lots of personal question about you. Be prepared to answer your personal questions:

You family
Single or married
Where have you been (travelled)
Why come to VN
Can you speak Vnese (Tell them "Anh yeu em. Em yeu Anh?") Laughing

And so on.....

Mr Wind-up Bird · Joined: 22 Sep 2004 Posts: 196

That's good advice Chuck. Vietnamese people will ALWAYS ask you the same questions - learn how to answer in VNese & they'll be convinced you can speak the language. No point learning anything else as you'll never get the chance to use it anyway Wink